The Parole Process in California

If you have been convicted of a crime, you may not have a full understanding of the parole process. If you are paroled in your specific state, you are permitted to serve a part of your sentence under community supervision. However, this means that you must meet the requirements necessary to do so. This means that an inmate must have abided by the prison’s rules, the release would not lessen the seriousness of the crime, and the release does not jeopardize public safety and welfare.

Parole helps many involved in the criminal justice system. The biggest goal it aims to accomplish is to integrate an inmate back into society as a productive, contributing member. But how is this done? They may receive special help with employment, housing, and more without effecting the rest of society negatively. Parole also works as a way to prevent unnecessary imprisonment of inmates who are unlikely to commit other crimes.

Various Types of Parole

Of course, there are various types of parole and ways that you obtain them. Here are some of the most common in California:

Medical Parole: Penal Code Section 3350 in California requires that medical parole becomes available for those who are medically incapacitated, even if they weren’t at the time of sentencing. However, it must be determined that the release would not pose a threat to overall public safety. If their condition improves from being out on parole, they can then be returned to custody.

Elderly Parole: In recent times, it was made possible for elderly offenders to be referred to the Board of Parole Hearings to determine suitability for parole.

Youth Offender Parole: For any offender under 23 years of age, California has a “Youth Offender Parole Hearing” opportunity to determine all parole suitability.

Of course, parole means that parolees must abide by certain conditions to work within the law after their release. This means that they have to follow all conditions of parole and determine which rules will increase their chances of finishing parole. They also give up many of their rights, meaning that they can be searched, extradited if they are found out of state, give a new address if they move, and much more. You may be interested in hearing a little bit about how the process works.

The Parole Process in California

You may wonder what you should expect from a parole hearing. Parole hearings act largely as a way for inmates to tell their sides of the story and communicate their arguments in favor of parole. The parole board will make a decision on whether or not an inmate should return to society. If it is found that they should, they will determine when this will occur. They take into consideration the interests of public safety as well as the needs of the individual inmate. So yes, in a way, help is offered to them to meet their goals.

What happens if the inmate’s crime was extremely serious and the parole board decides that this is so? They may find a longer period of incarceration to be suitable instead of offering parole. There are many topics that may be discussed at the parole hearing. These include the inmate’s prior criminal history, guidelines involved in the process, accomplishments while in prison, information regarding release, and more. Things that will be discussed are the crimes at hand, the inmate’s prior record, and parole plans for the future if they are granted this opportunity.

Have you engaged in a criminal act and are now facing jail time? Do you believe that parole is possible for your case? Give us a call today and we can help you with your case every step of the way. At The Law Office of Peter Blair, we care about helping you.